Namibia's new environment minister pushes to boost revenue through gambling and lotteries

Newly appointed Minister of Environment and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, has announced plans to fully operationalize the lottery and gambling industries as part of efforts to drive economic growth and generate revenue for the national treasury, Namibian reports.

Speaking during her first meeting with government officials on Tuesday, Daniel emphasized that strengthening these sectors would improve regulation while contributing to the country’s financial needs. “Capitalizing on lotteries, gambling boards, and the Access and Benefit Sharing Office will be a key focus,” she said. “This will generate much-needed revenue for the treasury while ensuring better oversight of these industries.”

Daniel reiterated the ministry’s commitment to protecting Namibia’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism as pillars of economic development. “Our mission remains clear: to preserve Namibia’s natural heritage, foster sustainable tourism, and drive economic growth with environmental responsibility,” she stated.

She also echoed President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s warning against delays in implementing government decisions, stressing that the ministry’s upcoming adjustments would align with SWAPO’s 2024 election manifesto. “There are targets in our manifesto that must be met within the prescribed timelines,” she said.

The minister highlighted Namibia’s wildlife and protected areas as vital assets for tourism and economic self-sufficiency. She emphasized the need to attract new investments to diversify the sector. “Stimulating the local economy requires redefining the tourism landscape and promoting greater socio-economic inclusion,” Daniel said. Additionally, she stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism and natural resources through value addition and diversification initiatives.